PHLY Philadelphia Sixers Podcast

James Harden and the Sixers both have a major decision to make in the offseason. Derek and Rich discuss the calculus from both Harden and the Sixers' perspectives as Harden becomes a free agent, the pros and cons of bringing Harden back (and letting him walk) and how the other major moves of the offseason will be affected by the Harden decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers have hired a head coach to replace Doc Rivers, former Toronto Raptors coach and noted Sixers antagonist Nick Nurse. Derek and Rich discuss everything about the new Sixers head coach: Can Nurse work his defensive magic with an entirely different roster? How about all those minutes that he played his starters in Toronto? Does this hire make it more or less likely that James Harden leaves in free agency? How will he work with his former nemesis, Joel Embiid? There are plenty of questions about what is an objectively interesting hire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers offseason is officially underway. Derek and Rich talk about the recent rumors concerning James Harden's impending free agency and the Sixers' willingness (or lack thereof) to give him a max contract. Then, they discuss the pros and cons of the Sixers' main coaching candidates: Nick Nurse, Mike D'Antoni, Monty Williams, Mike Budenholzer, Sam Cassell and Frank Vogel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fresh off being embarrassed in Boston on Sunday, Doc Rivers was fired on Tuesday and Daryl Morey spoke to the media on Wednesday. Derek and Rich talk about Morey's difficult spot, the potential candidates to replace Rivers and James Harden's outsized role in the Sixers offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers season ended in the most humiliating fashion possible in Boston. Derek and Rich discuss a career-defining performance (in all the wrong ways) for Joel Embiid, James Harden again coming up short in an important moment, Doc Rivers' role in all this and why the Sixers continue to disappoint when they play a real team in the second round. Note: This podcast was recorded minutes before Rivers was officially fired, which felt like a formality. Both hosts talked about Rivers as the former Sixers coach during the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It has been a wild week for the Sixers. First, a James Harden masterpiece ties the series up in Game 4. Then, Joel Embiid and the Sixers play perhaps their best game of the season and dominate the Celtics in Game 5. And with their best opportunity in years, the Sixers offense laid a complete egg in a Game 6 closeout situation at home. Derek and Rich discuss all of that, plus what they're expecting from Game 7 in Boston... and why they're perhaps a bit more optimistic than they were at the beginning the series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers lost Game 3 to Boston, surrendering homecourt in the process and making Sunday's Game 4 a de facto must-win game. Derek and Rich talk about the struggles of the Sixers starting backcourt of James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers consistently losing the little things battles against Boston in the past two games, plus Joel Embiid's encouraging performance after an emotional MVP ceremony. Finally, they are joined by a special guest, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who discusses his longtime Sixers fandom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers started their second-round series in Boston as massive underdogs, playing the title favorites without Joel Embiid. And they stole Game 1 in front of a stunned TD Garden behind perhaps the best postseason performance of James Harden's career. Derek and Rich discuss Harden's brilliance, the late-game heroics of Paul Reed, Doc Rivers yet again coming up big while coaching shorthanded and plenty more from one of the most triumphant Sixers wins in recent memory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The series Sixers fans have been waiting all season for is upon us! But unfortunately, as seems to be the case every year, Joel Embiid's health status is uncertain as the Sixers prepare to face Boston. Derek and Rich recap the latest with Embiid's knee injury before previewing the series: How the Celtics will test Embiid's mobility more than any other team, why Boston has single covered Embiid throughout his career, possible ways to get Tyrese Maxey on track in what has been a difficult matchup, defending Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers went to Brooklyn, got two wins and now have a week off. Derek and Rich discuss everything that happened to create the franchise's first sweep since 1991: The James Harden and Joel Embiid ejection drama from Game 3, Tobias Harris and Paul Reed stepping up in a big way in Game 4, Doc Rivers' unfortunate choice of words, how the team's toughness showed up on the glass... and unfortunately, Embiid's injury and Harden's inability to make a 2-point field goal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers turned the ball over a ton, James Harden played one of his worst games as a Sixer... and it still didn't matter all that much. Derek and Rich discuss the Sixers' win in Game 2 over Brooklyn: Why did it take so long for them to get back to the Game 1 blueprint of letting Joel Embiid pick apart double teams? How concerning was Harden's performance? They also go over some of the postives: Embiid's defense (and post-game trolling), Tyrese Maxey's shotmaking and Tobias Harris shining in the first round for the second straight season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The NBA playoffs are finally here! And the Sixers took care of business against Brooklyn in a 121-101 Game 1 win, despite some hot shooting from the Nets. Derek and Rich discuss how the Sixers handled the Nets' aggressive double teams against Joel Embiid, hustle plays from Paul Reed and P.J. Tucker and a hot 3-point shooting game for James Harden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The regular season is over, as the Sixers finished with 54 wins. That is the most since Allen Iverson led them to the NBA Finals in 2000-01. Derek and Rich briefly touch on Joel Embiid winning the early vote for MVP before breaking down the upcoming 3-6 first-round series against Brooklyn: Where are some potential problem areas for the Sixers against the revamped Nets? And what defensive schemes might the Nets try to slow down Embiid? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers ended the competitive portion of their regular season with a blowout loss to Miami, a game that Doc Rivers regretted playing his starters in. But a few days before that, Joel Embiid delivered a 52-point masterpiece to salvage one game in the season series about Boston. Derek and Rich talk about their concerns headed into the playoffs, offer some initial thoughts about a Boston series and if they believe Embiid is going win his first MVP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The final week of the NBA regular season got off to a rough start for the Sixers in Milwaukee. Derek and Rich discuss Doc Rivers' tough night and what the Sixers might have been holding back for the playoffs. They also talk about James Harden and the bench unit thriving against Toronto, Tyrese Maxey's scorching hot shooting and how the next CBA might affect the Sixers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After Joel Embiid sat out the highly anticipated matchup with Nikola Jokic on Monday, he and James Harden returned to the lineup for the Sixers on Wednesday against Dallas. The Sixers won the game, and afterward, Harden and Embiid spoke about the injuries that they are currently dealing with. Derek and Rich discuss their level of concern over Harden's Achilles issues, while also sizing up where Embiid stands in the MVP race with seven games left to go in the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers wasted Joel Embiid's massive performance in Golden State and then were flat on the second night of a tough back-to-back in Phoenix. Derek and Rich discuss their level of concern (or lack thereof) over some of the week's key storylines: James Harden's injury, P.J. Tucker and the bench struggles, Tyrese Maxey's playmaking and Doc Rivers turning to Dewayne Dedmon in Phoenix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Rich have done it again. On the day before they planned to podcast, the Sixers' dominant offense slapped together its worst performance in months as they lost in double overtime to Chicago. They discuss James Harden's rough night against the Bulls and their level of concern after Doc Rivers revealed that Harden's foot was bothering him. Later in the episode, they discuss Joel Embiid's dominance and where he stands in the MVP race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Despite a difficult March schedule, the Sixers continue to reel off wins. Derek and Rich discuss some of the lineups that are fueling that success, while touching on Joel Embiid making up some ground against Nikola Jokic in the NBA MVP race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Rich go over their major takeaways from the Sixers' 4-1 road trip, including Joel Embiid's dominance, James Harden playing the best basketball of his Sixers career, along with their concerns over the team's defensive struggles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers scored 48 fourth quarter points to secure a comeback win over Milwaukee, handing the Bucks their first loss in over six weeks. Derek and Rich break down the statement game from the Sixers, go over Doc Rivers' decision to reinsert Tyrese Maxey into the starting lineup, and discuss the report that James Harden may be looking to return to Houston in free agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers lost a heartbreaking game against the hated Boston Celtics on a last-second shot by Jayson Tatum. Derek and Rich dissect what happened in the showdown between Eastern Conference contenders, and project that forward when talking about a potential playoff series between the teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joel Embiid played his best defensive game of the season, James Harden had another big night against one of the league's best defenses, and the Sixers picked up another win over a contender. Derek and Rich break down the Sixers' comeback win over the Grizzlies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Rich react to Mac McClung's incredible performance in the dunk contest, before pivoting to the listener mailbag, going over whether the Sixers should continue to bring Tyrese Maxey off the bench, whether they focused too much on the backup center spot in the buyout market, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rich and Derek go over the Sixers' important win over the Cavs, their initial impressions of newly-acquired Jalen McDaniels, whether or not Dewayne Dedmon can solve the team's backup center problems, and what to make of this very good, but perpetually frustrating, 76ers team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Rich break down the Sixers' wins over the Knicks and the Nets and give their first impressions of newly acquired forward Jalen McDaniels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers traded Matisse Thybulle for Jalen McDaniels. Derek and Rich break down the trade, going over the details of what the Sixers gave up, what kind of a player McDaniels is, where he fits in their playoff rotation, and whether he was the right player to target with their limited trade assets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Rich break down what to expect from Thursday's NBA trade deadline, recapping the reports that are out there, the options the Sixers have in front of them, and the trade assets they have to work with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rich and Derek discuss their major takeaways from the two-game set against the Orlando Magic, which the Sixers split thanks to a 105-94 win on Wednesday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

By dominating Nikola Jokic in a comeback win over the West-leading Denver Nuggets, Joel Embiid strengthened his MVP case as the Sixers took down yet another contender at the Wells Fargo Center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers beat the Nets 137-133 in a wildly entertaining game in south Philadelphia. Derek and Rich go over what they saw, how the two teams matchup against each other, and the reaction from the fans in the first Embiid vs Simmons matchup since the trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers completed their 5-0 road trip, which moved them up to second place in the Eastern Conference. Are they being overlooked as NBA title contenders? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Doc Rivers announced that the Sixers will utilize 3 different starting lineups from here on out. Rich and Derek break down the news, discussing what problems the Sixers are looking to fix, and whether they think the change to the starting lineup will be effective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With the Sixers now past the halfway point of the season, Rich and Derek run up and down the roster and give each player a grade for their performance so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we approach the halfway point of the season the Sixers had their starting five of Embiid, Harden, Maxey, Harris and Tucker available for just the seventh time all season. Derek and Rich discuss how they looked in their win over the Pistons, how Maxey and Embiid have looked since coming back from injury, and about James Harden's continued strong play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

PJ Tucker at center? Can a starting lineup of Harden, Maxey and Melton hold up defensively? Derek and Rich discuss some of the latest developments surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers, including their overtime win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Cancel unwanted subscriptions – and manage your expenses the easy way – by going to RocketMoney.com/ATHLETIC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rich and Derek discuss the Sixers' disappointing loss to the Pelicans, what they're keeping their eye on for 2023, and wrap it up by taking a few questions from the listener mailbag, including a discussion about how the Sixers can maximize James Harden's skillsets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers lost to the Wizards, ending their eight game winning streak, Tyrese Maxey is set to return after missing a month and a half with a broken foot and there's a report that James Harden could have interest in returning to the Houston Rockets in free agency next summer. Derek and Rich break it all down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Rich talk to Yaron Weitzman, who recently wrote a feature on James Harden titled "James Harden reckons with his legacy" for Fox Sports. Derek and Rich talk to Yaron on what he took away from his sitdown with Harden. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/sixers and get on your way to being your best self Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Rich discuss the Sixers' 118-106 win over the Warriors, their 4th straight victory, before diving into the listener mailbag, going over topics such as their confidence in James Harden's ability to score efficiently in the playoffs, whether Matisse Thybulle is playable in the postseason, what they would prioritize at the trade deadline, and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek and Rich go over the Sixers' last two wins, including a 131-113 win over the Hornets where Joel Embiid dropped 53 points, followed by a 123-103 win over the Kings as the Sixers look to find their footing now that Embiid and Harden are back on the court together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers beat the Lakers in overtime, snapping their season-long three game losing streak in the process. But they blew a 16-point lead with four minutes left in regulation, because this team can't do anything the easy way. Derek and Rich react to the latest Sixers' debacle of a victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers are 2-5 when Joel Embiid and James Harden both play, including losses to lottery teams like the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets. Derek and Rich vent about the team's latest lackluster effort and discuss whether there's hope for the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How much of the Sixers' problems to start the season stemmed from switching pick-and-roll's too often? Should PJ Tucker have his minutes reduced? Rich and Derek briefly discuss the loss to the Grizzlies before diving into the listener mailbag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After being the top-ranked defense in the league for the month of November, the Sixers got lit up by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 113-85 loss. Rich and Derek discuss what to take away from the Sixers' one game defensive slump, then discuss what they've seen from Joel Embiid following his return from a mid-foot sprain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Shake Milton, De'Anthony Melton, Georges Niang and Paul Reed have stepped up in a big way to help the Sixers rack up a few wins while Embiid, Harden and Maxey miss time due to injuries. Rich and Derek discuss the strong play of the Sixers' role players, and how they can continue to excel once the Sixers' main stars return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sixers have won 4 of their last 6 games, but they've been hit with a myriad of injuries, including extended absences from James Harden and Tyrese Maxey. Derek and Rich try to figure out how they can tread water over the next few weeks while their star backcourt gets healthy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Despite Joel Embiid's 59 point explosion, the Sixers' offense has been struggling over the past few weeks. Rich and Derek break down their struggles, then dive into the listener mailbag, going over questions on Doc Rivers, Tyrese Maxey, ideal lineup combinations and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joel Embiid had 59 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists and 7 blocked shots in a win over the Utah Jazz as he tries to almost single-handedly drag the Sixers back into respectability. Derek and Rich react to arguably the greatest performance they've ever seen in person. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rich and Derek try to figure out what in the heck is going on with the Sixers' offense, which has been the worst in the league since James Harden went out of the lineup with a right foot tendon strain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.